11% of Millennials and Gen Z Have Stopped Dating Because It’s Too Expensive: Report

Sep 28, 2026 - 10:30
11% of Millennials and Gen Z Have Stopped Dating Because It’s Too Expensive: Report

About one in 10 young singles have stopped dating because they cannot afford it.

Eighty-four percent of Gen Z and millennial daters say rising costs have changed their dating lives, reports Mashable, citing Zelle’s Economics of Dating Report.

The findings come from an August of 2026 national survey of 1,800 Gen Z and millennial adults who have dated in the past year.

Around a third (32%) say they are going on fewer dates, and 11% have quit dating entirely because of the cost.

Those still dating are adapting: 40% are choosing cheaper activities, 38% prefer more frequent low-cost dates over occasional expensive ones and 37% suggest free outings.

Frugality is landing as a green flag. 38% judged someone positively for planning an affordable, thoughtful date, versus 23% for an extravagant high-end one.

Other money green flags include being thoughtful with money (56%), being honest about finances (54%), planning a budget-friendly date (52%) and paying without making it awkward (52%).

Still, 89% of daters say they are putting themselves out there.

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